‘Purpose-built for it’: Todd Payten insists Reuben Cotter’s State of Origin hopes not under pressure
Todd Payten has thrown his support behind a Cowboys star in the wake of speculation his Origin spot is under pressure. Read the latest Cowboys news ahead of Saturday’s clash with Penrith.
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Todd Payten insists Reuben Cotter’s Queensland Maroons chances have not taken a blow from accepting a two-week suspension, declaring the Cowboys co-captain is “purpose-built” for the State of Origin arena.
Cotter has played for Queensland in the last three series, starting all six games in the last two years, but his position in the team is under threat with no further opportunity to plead his case to selectors.
Cotter will be banking on the trust of Maroons coach Billy Slater with a number of contenders putting their hand up to play including red-hot Raiders prop Corey Horsburgh.
But Payten was adamant Cotter had nothing to worry about with just over a week until the team for game one is named.
“I’m not sure if you’ve watched the last three of four years, but he’s been outstanding in that arena,” Payten said.
“He’s purpose-built for it: fit, robust, plays multiple positions and Billy (Slater) trusts him, so if he’s not there then I don’t know what they do.
“They all want to play, but our focus has been here, and they’ve got to get their job done week to week to deserve a spot in the Origin arena.”
North Queensland will also be without star forward Jason Taumalolo for up to two weeks after the imposing Tongan picked up a calf complaint.
The Cowboys have ruled Taumalolo out of Saturday’s clash with Penrith, promoting Coen Hess to the starting side and bringing Kai O’Donnell onto the interchange.
Payten confirmed the change on Friday morning.
“We’ve had to make one change. Jase (Taumalolo) has got a calf complaint, so he won’t play this week, possibly won’t play next week,” Payten said.
“It’s disappointing for Jase, disappointing for the club, but knowing how he heals he could be a chance to play next week, so we’re just doing the right thing by him.”
The Cowboys are anticipating a crowd of more than 22,000 fans on Saturday and Payten said his side would have to be at their best to beat a tough Penrith team.
“I thought they were pretty strong last week, getting back to their strangling best,” Payten said.
“I think they’ve named the best team they’ve been able to name for the past six to eight weeks, so we’re expecting them to come up and be desperate.
“It’s a great opportunity for Tom Mikaele. He’s been outstanding in Q Cup for a month now, really strong that first part of the season as well. So everyone’s excited for him and he’s excited for his first NRL game for the year.”
The Cowboys play Penrith on Saturday night in Townsville, kick-off is at 7.35pm
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Originally published as ‘Purpose-built for it’: Todd Payten insists Reuben Cotter’s State of Origin hopes not under pressure
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